Hart's resources have been somewhat depleted, as the club has been left in limbo while Sulaiman Al Fahim completes his protracted takeover from Alexandre Gaydamak at Fratton Park. But the Pompey boss is striving to add to his side and revealed Shittu and McCann are on his hit list as he bids to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes on August 31.

"We have a long list of players, which has been added to and players taken off. They're on that list," he said.

"It was pointed out painstakingly to me on Saturday by the press that our squad is looking depleted. Numbers added to it would be welcomed at any point. I think most positions need cover."

Hart's efforts to build his squad - with the likes of Lens striker Aruna Dindane and Rennes forward Olivier Thomert also linked with moves to the south coast team - have not been aided by the fact right-back Anthony Vanden Borre is still waiting for international clearance to make his Pompey bow.

The Belgian has signed from Italian club Genoa and is registered as a Portsmouth player. He could yet slot into the side against Birmingham, should he receive the go-ahead no later than two hours before the game.

But Hart admits he is frustrated with the Italian FA, who have not yet given the 21-year-old the green light to play.

He said: "As we are here, we're still waiting for his clearance to come through. The request was put in last Wednesday and it's a ridiculous situation.

"It's very frustrating because we, and our FA, have done everything exactly right. It's the Italian FA, which is dragging its heels.

"It's to say when it will be completed but I hope we would get to know today (Tuesday)."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.

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